In examining current global developments in the aircraft market, a strong trend towards small airborne transport systems for personalised passenger transport has been evident for some time. From the many concepts that are currently being investigated worldwide, certain characteristics for such aircraft can be observed. These include not only a particular range but also the use of advanced propulsion technology.
"It is always exciting to be involved in the development of future technology. It allows us to deepen our knowledge in the field of aircraft construction, to further develop our numerical methods and, in accordance with our teaching mission, to pass on this knowledge directly to the students," says project leader Markus Trenker.
Through the air with hydrogen?
The UAS's focus in this project is on the simulation of new propulsion concepts as well as hybrid technologies, the simulation of different configurations for future transport concepts and research in the field of sustainable, composite materials.
With regard to propulsion, various systems are being investigated with a focus on maximising efficiency while minimising the overall sustainable use of resources. In addition to electric drive, hybrid systems and hydrogen as a means of propulsion or fuel will also be investigated.
Sustainability in focus
"We are also investigating new sustainable and ecological composite materials in terms of their suitability for building components of the aircraft structure, in order to find a more environmentally friendly alternative to existing composite materials," Trenker tells us.
The goal of the project is to bring to the market one day an aircraft developed for its designated purpose, with minimised emissions and use of resources, that works as quietly as possible and utilises ecological materials. To this end, a scaled-technology efficiency demonstrator is currently being developed that will be validated in wind tunnel experiments.
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